All that Howard, who is black, could learn was that the sperm came from one of two unidentified white donors.

To satisfy the confidentiality issue, she asked Santomauro to ask the donor if he would voluntarily provide his medical history, said her lawyer, Bruce Jacobs.

But Santomauro has refused – and next week Howard will file a negligence lawsuit against him claiming physical and emotional damage.

But the ethical question is clear-cut, according to a leading fertility specialist.

“The anonymity of the donor has to be protected, but at the same time she has rights that absolutely need to be addressed,” said Dr. Joel Batzofin.

“If she went to a sperm bank, she would be given the kind of information she’s asking for. I really believe she’s entitled to it in her case,” said Batzofin, medical director of the Sher Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Manhattan.

Howard, who also has an 8-year-old son, said that after Santomauro realized his error, he repeatedly called her and urged her to prevent pregnancy.

“I had been trying for five years and you want me to make a decision on 24 hours?” she said.